Capsular Contracture from Implant

[Dancegal]

Hi Everyone! I have almost hit the 3 year survivor mark (mastectomy on Dec 12 2017, Chemo ended May 2018). At first I chose not to have reconstruction for my missing breast. In July 2019, I changed my mind. Now I have Capsular Contracture. Have any of you dealt with this? I really do not want to undergo anymore surgeries so I'm hoping for non-surgical treatments that have been successful! Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thank you!

[Dimsdale18 Partner]

Hello,

Sorry about your recent development of capsular contracture. I found some information for you.

Non-surgical treatment may be beneficial in certain cases of capsular contracture. Non-surgical treatment options include external ultrasound, antibiotics, massage, vitamin E, while some physicians prescribe the off-label use of leukotriene inhibitors (asthma medication) such as Accolate and Singulair.

Please note that I am not a doctor and all decisions should be made with your medical team.

According to breastcancer.org :

Corrective surgery options for capsular contracture

Some of the options for correcting capsular contracture include:

Capsulectomy: During a capsulectomy, your surgeon will remove the existing implant and the surrounding tissue capsule and insert a new implant that is wrapped in a sheet of dermal matrix material (a skin substitute made mostly of collagen). The dermal matrix material provides an extra protective layer, and the body will form a new capsule of scar tissue around it.

Open capsulotomy: During an open capsulotomy, your plastic surgeon will attempt to cut open the tissue capsule around the implant by making small incisions and may also remove some of the capsule. The goal is for the capsule to pop open, giving the implant more room to move around. In some cases, your surgeon will also remove your existing implant and replace it with a new one.

Autologous reconstruction: During an autologous reconstruction, your plastic surgeon will remove your implant and reconstruct your breast with a flap of tissue transplanted from another area of your body, such as your belly or buttocks. An important advantage to this approach is that it eliminates the risk that capsular contracture will recur, as a tissue capsule will not form around a flap. However, autologous reconstruction is a more complex surgery with a longer recovery time than a capsulectomy or open capsulotomy.

I am the Breast Cancer Helpline Manager at SHARE. We have a peer matching service available to match you with someone who has gone through a similar diagnosis. We also have the Helpline staffed with volunteers who have all had breast cancer. The Helpline operates 7 days a week from 9:30am - 9:00pm EST.

844-275-7427 (844-ASK-SHARE)

Dale

[Sugarmag]

HI. I had tightness but apparently not capsular contracture. Literally a year out from my second reconstructive surgery (23 months from original masectomy) I had the original implant done at time of masectomy replaced. That was this October 30th. The surgeon said that he took out some radiated tissue, exchanged the implant (which looked ok) and added more cadaver skin. I already feel better than I have since original surgery 23 months ago. Things will always feel tight (or so I have been told by 4 drs and a lymphoedema specialist but I am doing well. I was told by the plastic surgeon that if there is a next time it will entail autologous reconstruction. Hope this helps you.